Photo: CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse and others at the briefing
By: Mandy Park
CHSR Raises Alarm Over Alleged Attempts to Frustrate Ajiran Double Murder Trial
Demands Speedy Prosecution as Victims’ Families Renew Call for Justice
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has expressed concern over what it described as growing attempts to frustrate the prosecution of suspects linked to the killings of two prominent sons of the Ajiran community in Lagos State, warning that the case has become a crucial test of Nigeria’s justice system and commitment to the rule of law.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Monday, CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, alleged that certain interests were working to derail the ongoing judicial process surrounding the murders of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, who were killed in separate incidents in April 2023 and August 2024 respectively.
Omotehinse said the organization was compelled to address the media because of what it described as disturbing developments capable of undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.
According to him, the matter has evolved beyond a routine criminal investigation and now represents a broader assessment of the integrity of Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial institutions.
The CHSR referenced disclosures made by the immediate past Lagos State Commissioner of Police, now Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, during a briefing at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, on February 19, 2026.
The group noted that police investigators reopened the case following the emergence of fresh evidence, leading to the arrests of Safiu Fatai, popularly known as “Fabo,” and Yusuf Ismaila, also known as “Bariga,” in January and February 2026 respectively.
According to police findings cited by CHSR, the suspects were linked to the killing of Sheriff Ishola Salami, who was murdered on April 18, 2023, in Moba Town, Eti-Osa, as well as the fatal shooting of Prince Ademola Akinloye along Chevron Road, Ajiran, on August 26, 2024.
Investigators reportedly alleged that Salami was ambushed, abducted to a secluded location and shot multiple times at close range. Police further claimed that a similar operational pattern was employed in the killing of Prince Akinloye.
CHSR also referred to police allegations that the suspects confessed to involvement in both killings and implicated Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi as the alleged sponsor of the attacks. According to the police account, the suspects claimed they were promised financial rewards and other incentives in exchange for carrying out the murders.
The police subsequently declared Akanbi wanted before his eventual arrest and return to Nigeria for further investigation and prosecution.
While commending security agencies for making progress in the case, the rights group expressed concern over delays in prosecution, warning that prolonged legal proceedings could create opportunities for interference and undermine the quest for justice.
“We are alarmed by activities aimed at discrediting legitimate investigations and frustrating the prosecution process,” Omotehinse said. “Civil society advocacy should not become a shield for criminality or a tool for obstructing justice.”
The organization further criticized what it described as coordinated campaigns seeking the release of suspects before the conclusion of legal proceedings, arguing that such actions risk eroding public confidence in the rule of law.
A major issue raised during the briefing concerned an incident that allegedly occurred during court proceedings on June 4, 2026.
CHSR alleged that operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, acted on complaints from supporters of the principal suspect and directed members of the victims’ families to remove a bus belonging to the Ojomu Royal Family from the court premises over allegations that surveillance equipment had been installed in the vehicle.
The group described the development as troubling, claiming that while restrictions were imposed on relatives of the deceased, supporters of the suspect allegedly moved freely within and around the court premises.
According to CHSR, the incident raises questions regarding neutrality, professionalism and the protection of victims’ rights throughout the trial process.
Speaking emotionally at the briefing, Mrs. Adeola Ogundimu-Akinloye, sister of the late Prince Ademola Akinloye, said the family remained resolute in its pursuit of justice.
She lamented what she described as sustained intimidation and pressure surrounding the case but expressed confidence that the truth would prevail.
“We do not want anything more than justice,” she said. “If justice is not allowed to prevail, then nobody can truly feel safe. We remain confident that truth and justice will ultimately triumph.”
Also speaking, veteran activist Shina Loremikan condemned public campaigns advocating the release of the principal suspect.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s historic struggles against colonialism and military dictatorship, Loremikan argued that justice must not be compromised by influence, wealth or political connections.
“The court is not a marketplace where justice can be traded,” he stated. “When innocent people are murdered, society has a responsibility to ensure accountability through lawful means.”
He urged journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public to closely monitor the proceedings and continue demanding transparency and fairness throughout the trial.
The CHSR also called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, to ensure the prompt arraignment of all suspects and facilitate a seamless judicial process free from undue interference.
In addition, the group advocated increased security deployment in the Ajiran community to ease tensions and reassure residents as the legal proceedings continue.
In its concluding remarks, CHSR maintained that the Ajiran double murder case has become a defining test of institutional credibility and public trust in the nation’s justice system.
“The memories of the victims demand nothing less than full accountability,” Omotehinse stated. “CHSR remains committed to ensuring that justice is neither compromised nor denied. We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders until the matter reaches a lawful and logical conclusion.”
As proceedings continue, public attention remains focused on whether the justice system can navigate allegations, counter-allegations and competing public narratives while guaranteeing a fair, transparent and impartial trial for all parties involved.
Legal observers note that the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for public confidence in criminal justice administration, particularly in high-profile homicide cases where allegations of influence and interference often emerge.
